Sustainable alternative for housekeeping purposes
There exist a range of alternatives for single-use (plastic) products used for housekeeping purposes not all as green and sustainable as they seem. We show you different alternatives for the most common single-use plastic items in tourism businesses including their impact on the environment.
Sustainability Ratings Charts
Below you’ll find an overview of potential alternatives that can be used to replace single-use plastic products.
The potential alternatives are listed on a scale of 0–10.
A solution rated 0 has the least negative impact, a solution rated 10 has a high negative impact and corresponding traffic light colours provide a more visual demonstration.
All suggested alternatives are compliant with the EU Plastics Directive.
Alternatives to single-use plastic bin liners
Single-use plastic bin liners do not only have a negative impact on the environment they also produce unnecessary plastic waste.
The best option is to use no bin bags at all which is perfect for all dry waste such as paper or plastic waste.
Reusable bin liners that can be washed are also a more sustainable alternatives. They can be used for dry waste but also for organic waste as the liners can easily be washed and used again.
See our Decision Tree for Single-Use Plastic Bin Liners to make a more informed decision.
Single-use plastic bin liners
| No bin bags at all | 0 | |
| Reusable, washable bin liners | 2.53 | |
| Single-use bin liners made from recycled plastic | 4.86 | |
| Single-use bin liners made from bio-based material (e.g. starch) | 5.26 | |
| Single-use bin liners made from paper | 5.85 |
Alternatives to single-use plastic gloves
As a response to the COVID-19 pandemic (and other illness outbreaks) the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) such as gloves and face masks is increasing. A significant percentage end up in nature and marine environments harming ecosystems and animals.
In June 2020, 125 scientists agreed that switching to single-use does not necessarily prevent the spread of infection and the World Health Organisation promotes frequent handwashing protocols over single-use gloves. Where PPE is required, reusable products that can be washed or sanitized will reduce unnecessary waste and pollution such as reusable rubber gloves for example.
See our Decision Tree for Single-Use Plastic Gloves, the Standard Operating Procedures for Hand washing as well as our Standard Operating Procedures for Reusable Gloves to make a more informed decision.
Single-use plastic gloves made from Polyethylene
| Frequent hand washing | 0 | |
| Reusable, washable rubber gloves | 4.27 | |
| Single-use gloves made of PVC, Nitrile or Latex | 8.54 |
Alternatives to cleaning materials in plastic materials
The best option is to buy cleaning products in large containers that can be returned to the supplier to be refilled. Thus, the plastic used stays in the circle and there will be no disposal costs.
If this is not possible you should opt for cleaning products that are provided in large containers that can be separated for recycling.
In addition, prefer reusable wipes or cleaning cloth that can be washed and used again. By doing so you reduce your plastic waste significantly.
Cleaning material in plastic bottles
| Cleaning products provided in large containers that are returned for refill | 1.76 | |
| Cleaning products provided in large containers that are separated for recycling | 3.38 | |
| Reusable wipes made from natural fibres | 3.51 | |
| Cleaning products provided in plastic pouch refills that are separated for recycling | 3.53 | |
| Reusable wipes from microfibres | 4.06 | |
| Single-use wipes made of mixed fibres | 8.13 |
